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Bowling Green presents FY2027 budget with $180.9M all-funds and 2.7% COLA
Summary
City staff presented the recommended FY2027 budget: $180.88 million all-funds, $110.2 million general fund, use of $8.5 million in reserves, a 2.7% cost-of-living adjustment for full‑time employees and no new regular full-time positions; the commission approved the budget ordinance on first reading.
City finance staff presented the recommended fiscal year 2027 operating budget at the June 2 Bowling Green City Commission meeting and the commission approved the ordinance on first reading.
Katie Sher Ward of the budget team said the recommended all-funds revenue is $180.88 million, a 4.2% decrease from the adopted FY2026 budget, with a general fund revenue recommendation of $110.2 million (a 5.7% reduction). Staff proposed using $8.5 million in previously saved reserves to balance all funds and noted the general fund remains balanced without use of fund balance for recurring operations.
Key details: personnel costs make up about 65.4% of the general fund; the recommended cost‑of‑living adjustment for full‑time employees is 2.7% (matching the Department for Local Government CPI guidance), part‑time employees would receive an additional $0.40 per hour, and the budget proposes no new regular full‑time positions. The capital improvement plan lists $25.9 million for 25 projects focused on livability, municipal facilities/equipment, and traffic/roads.
Commission discussion focused on public-safety investments, storm-shelter project locations and FEMA approvals, and the budget team's efforts to present a cautious, disciplined plan. Staff said the first five storm-shelter installations under the budget would be at Lover's Lane Soccer Complex (two shelters), Preston Miller Park (two shelters) and Pedigo Park (one shelter), pending FEMA approval.
Commissioners praised the budget team's work and noted the presentation was provided as a public video on the city's YouTube channel. The ordinance for the annual operating budget (Ordinance BG 2026-10) was read for the first time and advanced by roll call for later final action.
What's next: Staff will post the summary document on the city website once the budget is formally adopted; the ordinance will return for final action in accordance with municipal procedures.
